He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Frances. He is pre-deceased by his parents J. and Jewel Thompson, his brother Robert Dennis and his sister Pat Hannon.
Jack was born August 3, 1934 in Iredell, TX and married the love of his life, Frances Hollenbeck, December 22, 1952. Jack and Frances celebrated their 70th anniversary on December 22, 2022. As a father of three, Jack was actively involved in his children, Donna, Gary and Mike’s school and sports activities and carried that tradition into his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives.
Jack’s childhood brought him to Salinas, CA. He lettered in basketball at Holtville High School, Holtville, CA. He graduated from Salinas High School in 1952 and had enjoyed playing basketball on the high school teams. He carried that love of sports throughout his life as an avid San Francisco Giants and 49ers fan. He loved talking sports.
For 33 years, he supported his family as a route driver for Langendorf Bakeries and was a faithful Pastor of Alisal Baptist Church, Landmark Missionary Baptist Church and for 15 years, First Missionary Baptist Church of Salinas, CA. He was a dedicated member of First Missionary Baptist Church, Salinas, CA for 55 years. Jack loved the Lord!
Jack and Frances loved to travel and were able to visit many parts of the United States together including the New England states to enjoy the fall colors, but their favorite trips were the many trips they took with family to Arroyo Seco, Disneyland, Hawaii and Yosemite.
Family members loved his sense of humor, when he anxiously rattled the change in his pocket, snap his fingers and how he would shake his head and smile when Frances said something quirky.
Of all the accomplishments throughout his life, Jack took the most pride in being a devoted husband, dedicated father, loving grandfather, attentive great-grandfather and a father-in-law who was like a second dad.
Jack is survived by his loving daughter Donna (Joe) Parise, sons Gary Dennis and Mike (Julie) Baker-Dennis. He is also survived by five grandchildren and three step-grandchildren; Lisa Dennis, Laura (Ryan) Griffith, Sarah (Austin) Parker, Christian (Jessica) Dennis and Jennifer (Brandon) Linker, Alexandra Hancock, Tyler Hancock and Olivia Hancock; and four great grandchildren; Emily Griffith, Levi Dennis, Jackson Linker, and Wesley Dennis, and his sister Judy Glidden. Jack is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Jerry’s Place and Carmel Hills Care Center for their excellent care.
Visitation will be held at The Paul Mortuary, 390 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove on Tuesday October 29, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Graveside services will be held at the Garden of Memories on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 11:00 am.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Mended Hearts Program ~ https://mendedhearts.org
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